'If it’s not at this club it will be at another one' - how midfielder's Portsmouth career has turned full circle after being frozen out

And the homegrown midfielder told of how he was looking at a future away from the club he has spent his football life at, after being frozen out under Kenny Jackett.

Close has endured a testing campaign with limited opportunities in the final year of his existing deal, with it looking increasingly likely he would need a move away from Fratton Park to find the regular football he craves.

That scenario spun on its head following Kenny Jackett’s sacking four weeks ago, with four starts and a sub appearance ensuing under Danny Cowley.

Close said: ‘It has been hard, I can’t lie about that.

‘I was sub a lot at the start of the season and then out of the squad for a long time.

‘I just focussed on trying to improve myself on the training pitch, but as the weeks went by I wasn’t getting in the squad it did give me the chance to train hard on Fridays and Saturdays.

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‘You just have to keep the faith and realise there will be managers and coaches who rate you.

‘If it’s not at this club it will be at another one, that’s just the same for everyone.

‘Not everyone is suited to a certain manager, so you just have to keep your head up.

‘Just because you’re out of the squad for one team, you’re not going to have a career like that. You will find the right place for you.

‘But that has changed a few weeks ago, and I’ve enjoyed myself since.

‘I’ve got great support around me and had the right advice. I’m quite good at that myself not to get too disappointed or frustrated. I’ve just tried to stay ready.

‘Every player wants to play and I’m really grateful to have had that chance.’

Close’s end-of-season rise continued with a Pompey man-of-the-match performance, despite the disappointing 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion.

The Southsea talent feels he’s benefitted from the change in philosophy brought by the arrival of Cowley, who has employed a style which suits his game.

Close added: ‘I’ve loved every minute of the past few weeks.

‘We’ve already learned a lot in training, a lot in the video room and I’ve got a lot of game time as well.

‘I’m really enjoying it and between now and the end of the season it’s a great opportunity for us to learn off the manager and his staff, and I think the results will come with that.

‘We’re looking to build from the back and get into attacking areas - and that suits my game.

‘I think I’m learning a lot and I’m really enjoying it.

‘I think that goes for all the players, even those out of the team.

‘I wasn’t in the team for the first game, but still really enjoyed the first session before Ipswich.

‘That just gets you looking forward to the game on a Saturday.

‘Now I’m in the team I’m enjoying every game, but if players want to keep their place they need to play well.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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